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If you would like to see a Linux version of an Asus Eee or a Samsung Q1 (Windows), please contact Chris_Carter.
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About UMPCs

Not handheld learning, but certainly mobile, with the recent emergence of UMPCs into the education market, there is even more to consider when choosing and purchasing ICT. This page aims to answer many of the questions people have concerning this technology.

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What is a UMPC?

UMPC stands for Ultra Mobile PC, and is the term that refers to the range of smaller laptops and similar devices that are becoming increasingly available as demand for mobile and personal technology increases. Some UMPCs look exactly like standard laptops, but are significantly smaller. Others look more like smaller versions of tablet PCs, with either a separate plug-in keyboard, or an integrated keypad. Because they are smaller, UMPCs usually do not have built in CD or DVD drives and some have no hard disk, instead using removable card memory.

Perhaps the most significant consideration with UMPCs is that more recently a number of them are being offered without Windows, instead using an operating system called Linux. This generally reduces the cost of the device.

It is therefore very important that when considering the purchase of UMPCs you are aware of its operating system, which programs it can run and the facilities it can offer, as these may differ somewhat to standard Windows computers.

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What is Linux?

Linux is an operating system. Therefore like any operating system it will run applications that are designed for it, as well as programs designed to run cross-platform. This means that you cannot, for example, install Windows software on a Linux computer. There are many versions of Linux available and most have a graphical interface not dissimilar to Windows or Mac O/S, with familiar point and click accessibility. Linux is an example of free ‘open source’ software. Therefore much of the software available for Linux is also free, though there tends to be a charge for educational software as this usually isn’t open source.

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What is Open Source software?

Open Source software refers to programs that have the source code freely available and can be modified and redistributed by anyone. These programs are typically free and are often designed as free alternatives to commercially available Windows and Mac software. As such they are usually unsupported, and help and unofficial support is obtained through forums and communities from users helping one another. Many Open Source Linux programs are compatible with the programs they provide an alternative to. For example, you can create a document in Microsoft Word and then open it using OpenOffice on a Linux computer.

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Typical Uses

What can I do on a Linux UMPC?

With a Linux UMPC you can typically:

• Access the internet.
• Use open source office applications that are compatible with, but not same as, Microsoft Office.
• Send and receive email.
• Watch video (but may not support the same video formats as Windows computers.)
• View digital images
• Use Photo editing software
• Use educational software that has been designed / converted to run on Linux.

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Considerations before Buying

What should I consider when researching UMPCs?

This depends on the operating system. When choosing a device, include the following in your considerations:

Windows Devices:

• UMPCs are often of a lower specification than ‘standard’ devices. Check that it meets the minimum system requirements of the programs you wish to run.
• UMPCs may have a ‘Home’ edition of Windows installed, which may not integrate with your network as well as the ‘Professional’ editions of Windows.

Linux Devices:

• Software. Will the device run programs that do what you need to do? Remember that you will be unable to install Windows software.
• Network integration. Whilst Linux devices are usually capable of network access, it is unlikely that they will fully integrate with a Windows based network.
• Support. Bear in mind that a different set of skills is required to support Linux.

Both:

• Battery Life. With any UMPC it is important to consider how long the device will last without recharging. Also consider the charging facilities within the school.
• Text Input. Does the UMPC have a keyboard or do you need plug-in USB keyboards? Does it have a built in keypad? Is this sufficient if you need to do extended writing?
• Robustness. Like laptops, UMPCs are probably less robust than larger desktop PCs.

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What's Available & Costs

What UMPCs are available and how much do they cost?

There are many UMPCs appearing on the market. Expect many more during 2009. Currently some of the better known ones are:

Asus Eee

Released in the UK in 2007 this device has been very popular. It is also branded as the Minibook by RM. It has a ‘laptop’ design and is available with both Windows and Linux, with different specifications and screen sizes. It comes with some pre-installed software. Some models include built-in webcam. Priced from around £160 for the basic Linux model to around £300 for the highest spec Windows and Linux devices.

• Eee PC
  

Dell Inspiron Mini 9

This runs Windows XP Home, and has a Gb of RAM and up to 16gb of hard disk space. It has a built-in webcam for video-conferencing on the move! Priced around £239 (ex VAT) for Hertfordshire schools.

• Dell Inspiron Mini 9

Samsung Q1

This is a touch-screen tablet device which runs Windows. Text input is via a plug-in USB keyboard or a built-in keypad on the ‘Ultra’ models. Prices start at around £600.

• Samsung: Q1

HP MiniNote

This is a Windows or Linux based mini-laptop with differing specifications. Prices start at around £300.

• HP: MiniNote

Elonex One

Billed as the ‘UK’s first sub-£100 laptop’ this UMPC is becoming available to schools in 2008. It is a Linux device with a basic specification but offers wireless internet access, open-source office programs etc. and is aimed primarily at education with a price tag of around £99.

• Elonex One

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